This legislative term promises to be an important one for the state of Florida because of 6 very important bills that will be voted on by Florida Legislators, many of whom are up for re-election in redistricted or reapportioned districts. These bills will undoubtedly impact every important issue in the state especially Florida's economy, public rating, and education.
Brainstorming sessions and multiple solutions are being examined by legislators to find ways to compenstate for the 18.1 percent deficient that resulted from previous cuts to schools' budgets. Legislators are collaboratively working with Governor Rick Scott to creatively identify solutions in which at least 1 billion dollars could be added to the budget in order to implement new reforms and extend the economic recovery of school districts in the state of Florida. Some legislators oppose the idea and are still actively searching for a less expensive way to address the problem of the financial shortfall that still exists for the states' schools.
Next, are house and senate bills, HB903/SB1852, which concern charter schools. Charter schools have become an alternative to distict schools. In the Miami Dade district alone, there were the openings of at least 90 new charter schools. Many school district personnels are frustrated because of the limited authority and input that they have over charter schools. If passed, the bill will support equal distribution of levies on a per student basis, in both local district and charter schools. Currently, Florida charter schools receive $2,700 less per student. The bill will also allow for state difference adjustments, and new openings of up to three new schools for high performing charter schools that have had a "B" rating for 3 consecutive years.
Additionally, there is a pending bill for the over- hauling of the McKay Scholarship Program. This program addresses the needs of students with disabilities allowing them to attend private schools because of state funding. However, due to individual program site inadequacies and some implementation abuses, the state will enforce stricter regulatory curiculum, assessment, and accountability guidelines.
Another bill to watch closely is HB441/SB1018 that deals with the In-State-College Tuition Program. This bill deals with the postsecondary educational needs of the children of undocumented immigrants, who are ineligible for in-state college tuition assistance. The bill proposes making accommodations through a separate bill that would provide assistance to those students who have attended at least 2 years of high school in the state of Florida. This will inadvertently have an impact on Florida's Bright Futures Scholarship Program that was established in 1997, to attract and keep the best and brightest high school graduates through higher learning, resulting in a diversely professionally, highly proficient workforce.
The Tax Credit Tuition, HB859/SB962 will also have an effect on education in the state. This bill will increase the cap on the program for the credit given to businesses or other donors who fund scholarships for low-income students, thus, allowing them to attend private schools. The tax credit amount will also be raised to 250 million dollars, which is an increase of 75 million dollars for the 2012-2013 school year.
Finally, HB487/SB710 has already been voted on by the house and has started to make its rounds with equally strong support and opposition from members. This will probably be the most interesting to follow for a number of reasons. The bill proposes to use casino generated revenues to supplement schools and additional school related projects through postsecondary education in the state of Florida.
All of these bills will impact education in school districts throughout the state of Florida. This is an exciting time of reform and transformation to Florida's educational system, so it is vital to remain informed about the issues that will impact the entire population of students that attend kindergarten through post secondary schools within the state of Florida.
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